I came across the following devotional that I’d like to share with you today.

“The story is told of Philip Haille, who went to the small village of Le Chambon, France, to write about a community that, unlike others, had sheltered their Jews from the Nazis. He wondered what had driven them to risk their lives for such extraordinary good.

He interviewed people in the village and felt overwhelmed—not by their extraordinary qualities, but by their ordinariness. They were not unusually bright, quick-witted, brave, or discerning individuals.

Haille sought possible connections among the citizens’ lives to discover why they had achieved what no other French town had accomplished. Ultimately, the author concluded that the one factor uniting them in doing good was their regular attendance at their little church.

Sunday after Sunday, they heard the sermons of Pastor Trochme. Over time, they became people who understood what was right and found the courage from God to act. When it was time for them to act boldly—such as on the day the Nazis came to town—they discreetly did what was right. One elderly woman faked a heart attack when the Nazis came to search her house. She told Haille about her personal dramatic ploy, “Pastor always taught us that there comes a time in every life when a person is asked to do something for Jesus. When my time came, I just knew what to do.”

Two strong beliefs gave the citizens of this town an inner strength of steel. First, they understood that their spiritual strength together in Christ was greater than any foe they faced. Even in times of war, they did not forsake gathering together. Second, they actively embraced the Word of God in their hearts—knowing God would bless them when the principles of their faith were reflected in their behavior.

The strength and courage Haille discovered in the people of Le Chambon resulted from their simple obedience to God—never ceasing to meet together to worship and hear His Word. When extreme difficulty came their way, their unity in faith was a habitual part of their everyday lives.”

Thank God today for a church where you can find strength and courage. If you don’t attend church, ask the Lord to guide you to the community of believers that will proclaim the truth, no matter the consequences.

²⁵ not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. 

Gene